Kingdom of Ash

defeat both of them. She supposed Anneith
would be of no help now. And perhaps it was
time for her to rely upon herself anyway. Even
if the timing could have been far better.
“So many questions, Lady of Perranth.”
Elide blushed, and reached for the soap,
scrubbing her arms down. “Sorry.”
“Do you now see why I didn’t have you
take the blood oath?”
“The Fae males challenge you all the
time.”
“Yes, but I like having you not bound to
me.” A soft sigh. “I didn’t plan for any of
this.”
“For what?”
“To survive the Lock. The gate. To actually
have to ... rule. To live. I’m in uncharted
territory, it seems.”
Elide considered. Then pulled the golden
ring from her finger. Silba’s ring—not